New Delhi, 3 July 2024– Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his maiden speech in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, targeting the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi while describing the party as a "parasite" destined to sit in opposition beyond 2029. Modi's speech, part of his third term in government, was met with persistent interruptions and slogans from the opposition.

Modi sharply criticized the Congress party, highlighting their declining influence and referring to their coalition strategy as detrimental. He pointed out that in states where Congress contested independently, their strike rate was a mere 26 percent, while it was 50 percent in states where they allied with other parties. "Congress is now a 'parasite'. It got this seat riding on the shoulders of allies," Modi said, adding that the party’s alliances have not translated into electoral success.

As Modi began his speech at 4 PM, the opposition, including the Congress-led India Alliance, began shouting slogans, disrupting the proceedings. The Speaker of the House, Om Birla, repeatedly urged the opposition to allow the Prime Minister to speak, reminding them that they had been given time to express their views. Despite the interruptions, Modi maintained his composure and continued his address.

1. Religious Tolerance: Modi remarked on the incidents in Parliament, suggesting that the Hindu community's tolerance has maintained India's unity. He denounced the portrayal of Hindus as violent and claimed there was a conspiracy to malign them.

2.Terrorism and National Security: Modi highlighted the government's robust stance against terrorism, mentioning surgical and air strikes against terrorists. He contrasted this with the previous government's silence and inaction in the face of terrorist threats.

3. Economic and Social Progress: Modi emphasized the improvements in India's economy and social welfare since 2014, stating that people no longer blamed their fate for their struggles. He asserted that the current government’s policies have led to increased confidence and better living standards for Indians.

4. Congress’s Failures: Modi accused the Congress of losing public trust before 2014 and criticized their unfulfilled promises and misinformation, including issues related to EVMs, the constitution, reservations, Rafale, and LIC. He suggested that Congress's lies and failures were reasons for their electoral losses.

5. Government’s Commitment: Modi concluded by stressing his government’s commitment to "satisfaction, not appeasement," aiming to deliver services to all citizens and fostering a "Developed India."

The opposition's loud protests during Modi's speech were reminiscent of the 2004 Lok Sabha session when the BJP, then in opposition, disrupted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s introduction of his Council of Ministers. This historical parallel underscored the cyclical nature of parliamentary politics in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech in the Lok Sabha was marked by sharp attacks on the Congress and persistent interruptions from the opposition. Despite the disruptions, Modi articulated his government’s achievements and future vision while criticizing the Congress's failures. The session highlighted the continuing contentious political landscape in India.